Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

We recently celebrated one of the most heart-warming days of the year, Grandparents Day, and what a joyful afternoon it was! Our home was filled with smiles, music, and multi-generational magic as residents, their families, and plenty of excited grandchildren came together to share in the fun.

Live Entertainment & Delicious Nibbles. From the moment the music started, the atmosphere was electric! There was live entertainment that had everyone clapping along and enjoying the show — including our residents who loved being serenaded. We served a delicious spread of nibbles and light refreshments, with a splash of wine for the adults to enjoy as they caught up and relaxed.

Fun for the little ones. The grandchildren had a fantastic time, with toys and games set up all around. Some shared a sweet tea party with their nan or grandad, while others went head-to-head in a lively game of Snakes and Ladders — lots of laughs and friendly competition included! To make the day even more special, each child received a bundle of fun stickers to take home. The sticker-covered smiles said it all! 

Storytime with a Special Message. We also took a moment to share The Barchester Book Story, a thoughtful, child-friendly book that gently explains why a loved one may be living in a care home. It was a touching way to encourage understanding and spark meaningful conversations between generations.

A Day to Remember, Grandparents Day reminded us all just how precious time with family truly is. Whether it was laughter over a board game, cuddles during storytime, or simply holding hands while listening to music, the love in the room was undeniable. Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped create such a memorable day. Here’s to many more moments that celebrate the incredible bond between generations. 

In celebration of the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, residents were invited to attend a special virtual session led by Holly from the V&A Learning team, alongside designer-artist Rafin Jannat.

The session focused on Indian miniature paintings and the artists featured in the South Asia Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Residents explored the rich traditions of Indian art through storytelling, visuals, and hands-on activities. Some took part in colouring intricate designs inspired by miniature paintings, while others relaxed and listened.

As part of the experience, residents enjoyed warming cups of masala tea and took time to appreciate the vibrant textiles and detailed patterns found in Indian art — including examples beautifully displayed on traditional footwear.

It was a calming and culturally enriching event that brought the beauty of South Asian heritage into the care home setting.

To celebrate the end of the week and promote wellbeing, residents were invited to dip their feet in warm water and enjoy a personalised foot massage. The relaxing session provided a calming environment where residents could unwind, chat, or read while receiving gentle care and attention.

One resident received a foot message to help ease any tension or pain, leaving them feeling more comfortable and relaxed. This soothing activity is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting both the physical and emotional wellbeing of those in our care.  

We’re excited to welcome everyone back to our Weekly Health & Fitness sessions — refreshed and ready after the summer break!

This season, we’re turning up the energy with a renewed focus on upper arm and leg strength, helping our senior residents improve mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing.

What’s New:
• Gentle arm and leg toning exercises
• Low-impact movements for strength and stability
• Routines tailored to all fitness levels
• A fun, friendly, and supportive environment

Treat yourself to more than just a manicure or hand massage, give your energy a little love too!

Nail Pampering keeps your hands and feet healthy, boosts circulation, melts away tension, and gives you that polished, confident glow. Reiki gently restores balance, eases stress, and leaves you feeling peaceful from the inside out.

Together, they’re the ultimate self-care duo: beauty on the outside, harmony on the inside. Because you deserve to feel good and look fabulous.   

It’s the thirtieth of sweet September,
A day we’ll always now remember—
Dear Joyce, today you turn ninety-five,
And joy and love are so alive!

The residents smile, the families cheer,
All gathered close to celebrate here.
The bubble’s chilled, Flavia stands near,
Ready to pop it and start the cheer!

Cakes and sweets in every hand,
Laughter echoing through the band.
Live music plays with joyful grace,
As memories dance across your face.

A special song, our voices blend,
With love that time will never end.
“For you,” we sang, “if you were the only girl,”
You’d still be the light that lit our world.

So here’s to you so full of grace,
With warmth and kindness on your face.
Happy 95th, dear Joyce, today
We’re blessed you came our way.

Residents and families at Ashlar House came together to celebrate the changing season with a cosy afternoon of music and community. 

The highlight of the event was a live performance by Alex Southgate, who serenaded everyone with smooth, easy jazz classics from the 1950s. A wonderful way to welcome the fall season!   

This afternoon, our residents tapped into their monthly creative mojo, inspired by the golden hues of harvest season. Surrounded by warm autumn tones and cosy energy, both residents and families embraced the spirit of the season with imagination and joy.

As the crisp whispers of winter approached, today’s gathering was a vibrant reminder that creativity, like the harvest, is a gift we continue to share—season after season. 

Did you know that Performance Pets visit us during the first week of every month? They bring the joy of pet therapy to as many residents as possible whether in group sessions, one-on-one visits, or right in the comfort of their own rooms.

This afternoon, our furry and feathered friends included Jeff, a charming male cockatiel parrot, along with a lively group of colourful budgies. Their visit brought smiles, laughter, and a warm, calming presence throughout our home.

Some residents fondly recalled having birds like these when they were children, sparking lovely memories. Others simply enjoyed watching their bright colours or chatting away to them, the birds were wonderful listeners!

Jeff, in particular, was quite the star, he posed for some great selfies and gave out plenty of kisses!  His gentle nature and playful personality made him a fast favourite.

Even our staff couldn’t resist the fun, many took a moment to greet the birds and share in the joy with residents. It was heart-warming to see everyone come together for such a special experience.

A big thank you to Performance Pets for another beautiful afternoon. We’re already looking forward to their next visit!

Our recent Summer Fête at Ashlar House was a roaring success, filled with fun, flair, and fabulous 1920s style! Residents, families and staff dressed to impress, bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age to life.

The dance floor lit up with Charleston moves, while beautifully displayed food and indulgent desserts added extra joy to the day. Our raffle was a crowd favourite, no one went home empty-handed!

A huge thank you to #EppingBeautyClinic for their generous donation of a free facial, set in their stunning beauty clinic. What a treat for our lucky winner!

We were also honoured to welcome Christine Burgess, former Mayor and current Secretary of the Epping Rotarians. It was a pleasure to have her celebrate with us.

A big shout-out goes to Amelia Jessica Green, daughter of our Activities Leader, for her fantastic work in organising the raffle. Your efforts made it extra special!

To top it all off, the event vibes were lifted even higher thanks to Claire from Creative Mojo, who added artistic flair to the day, and Paul, our live entertainer, who kept everyone smiling, singing, and dancing. 

Ashlar House Care Home proudly hosted a special “Art in care homes” event, celebrating the transformative power of the arts to uplift, connect, and inspire individuals in care settings.

The event featured a stunning exhibition presented by Knightsbridge Fine Art, with the esteemed Phillipa as our guest, and was further honoured by the presence of our town mayor, Janet Whitehouse. The showcased artwork served as a moving reminder of how deeply art can enrich lives, especially within our care community.

Art has a unique way of resonating across all stages of life. Even individuals with limited cognitive capacity can engage meaningfully through gentle and accessible forms like water-based painting and aqua art offering them both emotional expression and a sense of calm. This inclusive celebration underscores the universal reach of creativity, and we are proud to share the beautiful pieces created by our residents in a community display at our home.

Benefit: Events like these nurture emotional well-being, spark meaningful connections, and celebrate the creative spirit that lives within everyone regardless of age or ability.  

As winter settles in, our residents are wrapped in warm blankets, cosy and content. To lift everyone’s spirits, our monthly morning room entertainment brings joy, music, and laughter. The session starts with gentle, relaxing tunes and gradually builds to high-energy beats that have everyone clapping, smiling, and even singing along! The room fills with a fun, light-hearted atmosphere, a little bit crazy, a lot of fun.

It was lovely to hear during a recent 1-1 that staff popped in to enjoy the entertainment too. One team member even stayed and joined in while doing their laundry rounds, showing how these moments truly bring everyone together!

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting well-being and social engagement, residents recently took part in a group activity centred around reminiscing through old articles, letters, posters, books, and leaflets. This session proved to be more than just a nostalgic journey—it offered a range of emotional, cognitive, and social benefits:

Stimulated Memory and Cognitive Function, Engaging with familiar historical materials encouraged residents to recall experiences, helping to exercise memory and mental agility. Discussing old stories and significant life moments strengthened cognitive connections and supported long-term memory recall, particularly beneficial for those living with dementia.
Boosted Mood and Emotional Well-being, Revisiting the past through beloved books, heartfelt letters, and meaningful posters brought joy, laughter, and a sense of comfort. These emotional connections often evoke positive memories, promoting a sense of identity and purpose while reducing feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Strengthened Social Bonds. The group setting fostered open conversation, shared storytelling, and communal laughter. As residents discussed their own interpretations and experiences, they found common ground with others, building deeper connections and encouraging a sense of belonging within the community.

Encouraged by self-expression and confidence, residents were invited to share personal stories and perspectives, many of which hadn’t been voiced in years. This opportunity allowed individuals to take pride in their life experiences, boosting self-esteem and encouraging a renewed sense of value and contribution. Sparked by curiosity and lifelong learning, historical materials naturally led to discussions about culture, society, and personal history. This inspired curiosity and encouraged residents to learn more, ask questions, and reflect on how much the world has changed—and how much they’ve contributed to it.

Created a Sense of Continuity and Identity, Reminiscence supports a sense of self by linking the past to the present. Holding a familiar leaflet or reading a letter from long ago can reaffirm who we are and where we’ve come from, reinforcing personal identity in a meaningful way. This group activity was a powerful reminder that the past is not just something to remember, it is something that can continue to nurture, connect, and inspire. The use of old articles, letters, and books opened a rich doorway to memory, healing, and joy, leaving residents feeling uplifted and deeply connected with one another. 

We’re blessed to welcome Pastor Jo and the St John’s Ministry Team each month for a joyful time of worship and praise. Together, we sing hymns, share in fellowship, and reflect on the blessings we’ve received.

These times bring comfort, lift our spirits, strengthen our sense of community, and give us renewed hope. Holy Communion is available upon request..   

At Ashlar House, we are committed to creating a warm, engaging, and enriching environment for our residents. One of the ways we do this is by embracing today’s technology to support wellbeing, entertainment, and connection.

Residents are gently encouraged to explore and enjoy modern devices in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them. iPads are shared amongst residents in communal areas and rooms, offering access to a variety of activities tailored to their interests and needs.

Whether it’s listening to soothing Italian or German music, engaging with “Alexa” voice assistant in the dining area, or using applications that stimulate memory and cognitive engagement, our approach is always resident-cantered.